Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
The third annual Encuentro unites elected, and community leaders to confront pressures facing Latino communities
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Orlando, FL — More than 150 leaders from Latino-led organizations, elected officials, and allies gathered today for Hispanic Federation’s Encuentro Florida, 10 Years, One Journey, an event as Hispanic Federation also marks a decade of work in the state. The summit at GuideWell Innovation Center brought participants together to forge partnerships and map strategies for navigating the enormous challenges facing our communities. Workshops and collaborative sessions focused on strengthening funding for nonprofit organizations, understanding the issues affecting Florida families, and more.
“For 10 years, Hispanic Federation Florida’s story has been about people, the families we serve, the organizations that show up every day, and the partnerships we have built together,” said Laudi Campo, Florida State Director for Hispanic Federation. “Through every challenge and celebration, our organizations have continued to show up and deliver on the promises and needs of our community. Encuentro Florida is a moment to recognize the work that has strengthened our relationships across the state and continue building what comes next, together.”
“These Encuentros are more than a meeting. They’re connections that change lives. Thank you, Hispanic Federation, for believing in our people as much as we do, and for strengthening our hands so we can keep serving with love, commitment, and hope. When we connect, we grow stronger. And when we grow stronger, our community moves forward,” said Ruth Martinez, Director, Marsoni Foundation Inc.
“Encuentro Florida brings Latino leaders, organizations, and communities from across the state together to learn from one another and strengthen our shared work to expand economic opportunity. At Enterprising Latinas, we see the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit in our communities every day. Gatherings like this help us build stronger partnerships, elevate the voices of the people we serve, and find solutions that open access to capital and economic mobility for families and entrepreneurs throughout Florida,” said Santos Morales, Chief Operating Officer of Enterprising Latinas, Tampa Bay.
“Encuentro Florida is more than a meeting of organizations. It is a chance to get to know one another, share the work we are doing in our communities, and learn from each other. I firmly believe that when we combine our efforts, experiences, and resources, we can go further and help more families. Our Latino community has many needs but also great strength, and gatherings like this help us build partnerships, support one another, and continue working together. By doing so, we expand our reach and multiply our impact on the communities we serve in Florida,” said Janice Febo, CEO /Executive Director, Latin Community Advisors Inc.
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
